Keir Starmer has defended the United Kingdom’s decision not to take part in the early military strikes against Iran carried out by the United States and Israel. Speaking at a Downing Street briefing, he said diplomacy and negotiations remain the best way to address tensions over Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

Starmer explained that the UK believes a negotiated agreement that stops Iran from developing nuclear weapons is the most effective path forward. He stressed that the country will continue pushing for efforts that reduce tensions rather than escalate the conflict in the Middle East.

Despite staying out of the initial strikes, the UK has strengthened its military presence in the region. The government announced the deployment of additional Typhoon fighter jets to Qatar and other defence assets to protect British forces and interests.

The decision has drawn criticism from Donald Trump, who questioned the UK’s refusal to allow its bases to be used in the first round of strikes. However, Starmer insisted the long-standing relationship between the UK and the US remains strong, noting that both nations continue to share intelligence and coordinate security efforts.